Revolution vs. Rapids: 5 Takeaways From the Season Opener

Historically slow starters, the Revolution continued the trend with a 1-0 loss to the Rapids on Saturday night. What stood out during the match?

1. The Juan Agudelo as a number 10 experiment needs more time

Playing as an attacking midfielder behind Lee Nguyen and Kei Kamara, Agudelo struggled to involve himself in Saturday’s match. The Colombian-born forward occasionally got lost in the rotation of his attacking teammates and, as a result, fell out of the run of play.

This doesn't mean the playmaker role won't ever suit Agudelo. But it does offer more evidence that Jay Heaps will need to be patient if he wants Agudelo to thrive atop his midfield diamond.

2. Antonio Delamea and Benjamin Angoua looked (mostly) in form

Anxious eyes looked toward Delamea and Angoua—playing in their first MLS match together—throughout the course of Saturday’s season opener. But in the end, the pair put forth a clean effort, using tidy defending, good spacing and intelligent decision making to limit Colorado’s attacking chances.

Of course, the foul by Angoua—which led to Dom Badji’s game winner—served as the lone hiccup during an otherwise strong performance for the two newcomers.

3. The Revolution need better service from its wide players

Kei Kamara has made a living turning accurate crosses into goals. Yet on Saturday, the Revs failed to take advantage of his aerial expertise, hitting just two on-target crosses in 23 attempts. Chris Tierney and Diego Fagundez served as the worst offenders, misfiring on a combined 11 crosses down the left channel.

While this trend likely won’t continue, the Revs’ inefficient service does create room for concern. The club will need to put more accurate crosses into the box vs. Orlando City SC if it wants to maximize goal-scoring chances.

4. Daigo Kobayashi looks poised for 20-plus appearances, again

After entering the match for the injured Nguyen, Kobayashi turned in a vintage performance. He looked strong over the ball, stood his ground defensively and unlocked the attack with a few slick passes.

Though he offers almost no flash, Daigo has a knack for turning in quietly-efficient performances. Heaps should continue to look his way as a second-half substitute.

5. The Rapids still look unbeatable at home

For those counting, Pablo Mastroeni’s side has now gone unbeaten in 18 straight matches at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids have conceded a total of seven goals in those games.

While this streak doesn’t provide an out for the Revs, it does offer a reminder that Colorado has put together an otherwordly run at home.

What else stood out about Saturday’s loss in Colorado?